Tag Archives: strength

I am overcome by the strength and resilience of the people of Ekklesiar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN-Church of the Brethren-Nigeria). Everyone has a story. There is not one who has not been affected.

There is Zakariya, who hasn’t seen his mother in two years and doesn’t know if she is alive or dead. And Ibraham who heard from a former neighbor that his father was killed by Boko Haram. There are those who saw their parents or children killed. Pastors tell of witnessing people in their congregation killed or tortured. People fled in different directions, and many have not seen or heard from family members in months or even years. Everyone we meet has lost someone. Everyone. I can’t imagine this happening to my own church.

Most have spent time in Internally Displaced Persons camps (IDP), living in tents with scarce food and water and crowded conditions. But the children still laugh and play. They make up games and fashion toys out of discarded water containers or broken tires. They all have many mothers as the entire village looks out for each other. They often cook together as a community and fellowship together.

The EYN members in Jos have taken in and cared for displaced persons into their homes. It is common for a family in a 2 bedroom house to be caring for 50 additional people. They are not discouraged by this, they are finding ways to take in even more people.

They firmly believe that this persecution will result in spreading the word of God and growing the church, just as it did in the early church.

Despite a burned church – EYN still meets

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God. And yet, they are not poor in spirit. Yes, they grieve and struggle deeply with their loss. But they rely heavily on each other for encouragement, support, and guidance. They turn always to our Heavenly Father, and trust Him in all things. They are confident in the love of Jesus, and have incredible faith that He will sustain them and bring peace to their country.

They are so appreciative of the concern of the global Church of the Brethren. They feel covered by the prayers that are placed before the Throne daily on their behalf. They are humbled that they are remembered and prayed for. They are strengthened by our concern and prayers. And through all of the horrific events of their everyday lives, they continue to pray for us.

Question for reflection:The elders and church leaders were put on the spot. How often do we rise and acknowledge that our dedication and strength comes through Jesus and the One who sent him?

Prayer for the day: Creator God, we know You are our strength and source of power. Be with us today in helping us remember our ability to heal, to wonder, to achieve because of your faithfulness, that which is given through you, our Source. ~ Amen

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator of CCS and National Junior High Conference

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’sAdvent Devotionalwritten by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. (Available fromBrethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Question for reflection: As we reflect on the calling of Jeremiah, we are reminded that we are not alone. When are some times we felt like the task ahead of us was greater than what we alone could accomplish?

Prayer for the day: O Lord, help us to remember that you are always with us, giving us the strength to move ahead and words to speak when everything seems beyond our capability. ~ Amen

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator of CCS and National Junior High Conference

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’sAdvent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. (Available fromBrethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: Give me strength, Holy God, to do what is right. Amen

Question for reflection: As we read in these two stories, the Pharisees were intent on catching Jesus in the act of doing something they considered wrong. They remind me of an old-fashioned private eye lurking in the shadows or a hungry cat waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting mouse. But Jesus was fully aware of what the Pharisees were trying to do and continued to show the world a “new thing”—putting the law of love above the love of laws. Have there been times when you have been pressured to conform to the ways of the world and forsake what you know to be morally or ethically right? Where did you get the strength to follow the ways of Jesus instead?

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day:The old hymn reminds us what a privilege it is to carry everything, our sins and grief and pains and temptations, to God in prayer. And I know that when I pray, You will help carry my burden and bring me peace. But today I come before you, not for myself but for my friend. A friend who needs Your comfort, Your strength, and Your Peace. Please, walk with my friend, carry my friend and lift his/her heart with Your love. Amen.

Question for reflection: I was sick last year –sick unto death, to borrow the King James language –and too weak to pray for myself. Instead of a centurion, with all of his power and servants, coming before Jesus for a miracle it was my family that prayed for me. Family around the world spread a prayer chain. Friends came and sat with my family and prayed together. People prayed over the phone and sent emails filled with their prayers. To be honest, I can barely remember the days I was on the edge and my healing was like waking from a strange, long dream to a bright, crisp morning. Around me, everyone was rejoicing.

When have others prayed for you?

Have you ever talked to them about the impact their prayers have had?

Do you thank God for the prayers of others? For answering their prayers?

Who do bring forward to God in your prayers?

Do you tell them you are praying for them?

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotionalwritten by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Prayer for the day: Dear God, help us to take time for prayer so that we have the strength we need to follow you through whatever life brings.

Question for reflection: In what area of your life are you experiencing temptation? Would you be willing to face your temptation by trying a short period of prayer and fasting, and see what God will do?

~ Tim Heishman, National Youth Conference Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Question for reflection: Where are there signs of abundance in your congregation and life that offer hope and vitality?

Prayer for the day: Lord God, help us to care for one another and for your world. Remove our fear and tendencies to assume scarcity. You are the one from whom every family in heaven and earth takes its name. We pray, O God, that according to the riches of your grace we may be strengthened in our inner being to be vessels of your abundance and grace.

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (Available fromBrethren Pressin print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Question for reflection: So what happens when you get a stiff neck? Do you stop responding to others around you, or are you simply more aware of the effort it takes to fully turn your body towards a sound? What does this mean for your journey with God?

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Question for reflection: Where do you draw strength from to keep going on the right path when many alluring distractions and obstructions are in your way?

Prayer for the day:Great and wonderful guide of our lives, lead us on the right life path. Stomp out diversions that make us stray from our walk with you and give us the courage to do so ourselves when need be. Thank you, God, for carrying us through the sad times, cheering us on through the good times, and dragging us through the stubborn times. Amen

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Question for Reflection: In what ways do you have “a tough exterior” which prevents others from knowing your “sweet interior”? Are there ways you can balance the two realities more?

Prayer for the day: God we are simultaneously frustrated and pleased by our dualistic nature. Our tough exteriors protect us, but that protection can lead to isolation. Our sweet interior selves are shy and vulnerable, yet we know great growth can come through examining our “soft spots.” Give us strength to hold these two sides of ourselves in balance, and guide us as we share ourselves with others every day.

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotionalwritten by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Pressin print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.